The Complete Guide to Easy Certifications: Tips You Need

At CPR VAM, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the essential skills and confidence to respond effectively to life-threatening emergencies.

Our Helpful Tips section provides practical guidance and expert insights to help you succeed on your CPR tests. These resources are designed to support first-time success in CPR, BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications, with experienced instructors sharing tips through engaging videos and learning materials to make your preparation efficient and effective.

How to Perform 60 Compressions on a Voice-Assisted Manikin (VAM) for CPR Training - Skill Video 1

How to Properly Deliver Breaths with a Bag Valve Mask (BVM) on a Voice-Assisted Manikin (VAM) - Skill Video 2

Two-Rescuer CPR Technique – 30:2 Compressions to Breaths (15:2 for Child and Infant) on Voice-Assisted Manikin - Skill Video 3

How to Perform Infant CPR Compressions on a Voice-Assisted Manikin (VAM) - Skill Video 4

How to Perform Infant Ventilations on an AHA Voice-Assisted Manikin (VAM) - Skill Video 5

Two-Rescuer Infant CPR – 15:2 Compressions to Breaths on a Voice-Assisted Manikin (VAM) Skill Video 6

How to Claim CE/CME Credits in Your AHA RQI Portal

Top Tips to Pass Your CPR Certification Quickly

Please review the following guidance to improve your performance and efficiency during CPR skills. Some common mistakes can increase the time it takes to complete the skills correctly.

Here are 2 key areas to focus on:

1) Proper Airway Technique

Position yourself behind the manikin’s head and place the mask over the face. Form a “C” with your thumb and index finger while lifting the chin to open the airway effectively.

Gently squeeze the bag to deliver breaths. Ensure your fingers pull the head back under the chin correctly. A proper seal with the E–C technique guarantees airflow and improves your CPR performance.

2) Two-Rescuer CPR Timing and Counting

During two-rescuer CPR, count each compression out loud and stop exactly at 30 (or 15 for child/infant). Proper counting ensures efficiency and prevents point deductions during assessment.

Give breaths consecutively with a short 2-second pause, not six seconds. Following this timing helps maintain coordination between rescuers and ensures correct skill execution, improving overall CPR performance and certification success.

CPR Skills – Step-by-Step Guide

Skill 1: 60 Consecutive Chest Compressions

Begin compressions and do not stop until the computer signals completion.
Adjust your technique as the computer provides feedback but continue until finished.
Maintain proper hand placement, depth, and rhythm throughout the 60 compressions.

Skill 2: 12 Ventilations with Bag-Valve-Mask (BVM)

Position yourself behind the manikin.
Place the mask over the manikin’s mouth and nose.
Create a “C” shape with your thumb and index finger on top of the mask to push it down and form a seal.
Place your other three fingers under the jaw and chin, lift up, and pull the head back using the head tilt and chin lift technique to open the airway.
Squeeze the BVM slowly and steadily to allow air into the lungs.
Deliver one breath every six seconds.

Skill 3: Two-Rescuer CPR (30:2 Ratio)

Start with two back-to-back breaths after the computer completes compressions.
When switching positions, give two ventilations and resume chest compressions within six seconds.
During compressions, count out loud thirty times for adults and fifteen times for children or infants.
Stop exactly at the correct count and do not interrupt the other rescuer.
Allow full chest recoil after each compression.
Switch roles quickly to minimize interruptions.
Use the step stool if needed to reach proper positioning.
Adjust the computer monitor for comfort as it swivels.
Take breaks and regroup if necessary. Practice as many times as needed to pass.

If you are performing ACLS, you have now completed the adult skills portion. Skills 4, 5, and 6 are the same as before but are performed on the infant manikin. Focus on using the correct techniques, watching the demo videos, and practicing carefully to build confidence and accuracy.

Do not worry if you do not pass on the first attempt. It is normal to need a few tries, and you can take as many attempts as necessary to succeed. Stay calm, take breaks when needed, and keep practicing. With persistence and focus, you can do it!

CPR VAM – Your Trusted CPR Center

Fill out the given form and get started learning the life-saving skills to prepare your team for cardiac emergencies.

Be prepared to handle an emergency.